Round The World and other travels

Once again the GB Airways policy of early boarding paid off : everyone was aboard by 2010 and we pushed back at 2012! There were only two rows of Club Europe, yet 9 passengers, which is probably as high a loading factor as I've seen for a while in short-haul business class. It was a most spectacular take-off : unlike my ex-GIB departure in January, this was in full daylight. And unlike that previous flight, this time the Captain did go for the technique of powering up the engines with the brakes on, then releasing 'aircraft carrier' style with a sudden lunge forwards. Of course we made it into the air with plenty of room to spare and, once established in the climb, we looped round to the left so that those of us on that side of the aircraft got to see Gibraltar from just about every angle possible.

When the cabin service started, I had a couple of glasses of Champagne - but strangely, no nibbles! The choice of main courses was peppercorn steak, lentil casserole or chicken couscous. I ordered the steak and some Merlot red wine. I must say, the tray really was most beautifully presented : the main course stacked nouvelle cuisine style, not just dumped out, and the choice of wine already in place making it feel truly personalised. And it wasn't just well presented, either - it turned out to be one of the best Club Europe meals I've had to date. The steak was accompanied by roast potatoes and carrot and turnip pieces, while the tray also featured some rhubarb tart, crackers and cheese. A choice of breads was offered and the meal was nicely rounded off with a cup of coffee.

As the drinks kept flowing, I got chatting to my seat-mate in 1C and the conversation eventually turned to the destinations in the various parts of my RTW. He was stunned when I mentioned Corpus Christi, Texas : he was born there and lived the first 25 years of his life there! It's a small world, after all   (Note : I later substituted CC with Austin, and finally Washington DC!)

We touched down on 27R at Heathrow at 2151 and made it to the gate by 2155.